The highest numbers are in the Dublin north and midwest regions.

By the time the votes are counted, the two parties combined will have a working majority, or at worst will need no more than an Independent TD or two to support them.

The newest member of the Seanad has promised to represent farmers who want a new vision for agriculture in Ireland that is in tune with the environment and biodiversity.

The number of referrals to the Child and Family Agency relating to alleged abuse have hit a quarterly high.

The bureau has also seen a massive rise in the value of new asset seizure cases in the High Court, set to approach €100 million in 2019, compared to €8.2m in 2018.

They agreed the end of November would be the best time for the elections to replace TDs who had been elected to the European Parliament last May.

A new study into the reconfiguration of emergency and urgent health care services has found that “political influence is pervasive” and that inconsistent implementation undermines public trust.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris has confirmed the biggest restructuring of the HSE since it was founded 15 years ago.

I always get a little uneasy when my thinking is too aligned with the majority.

Gardaí have stopped 36 people in an operation targeting the demand for prostitution.

Where a child lives is dramatically impacting on how quickly they receive vital public health services, with children in Cork and Kerry at a serious disadvantage.

Twice as many rapes and sexual assaults were reported to gardaí in Cork City last year compared to 2016.

Dozens of examples of bad practice flagged by probe of expenses paid to community healthcare staff.

There are “unacceptable delays” in the examination of digital devices in child abuse investigations, despite calls for an “urgent review” of the area more than three years ago, according to the Garda Inspectorate.

A major revamp of the Garda Síochána's security and firearms operations was instituted yesterday.

The budget will be a test of Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe, who now has complete control as a result of the two portfolios of finance and public expenditure being brought under his remit.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has pledged to address shortcomings in foster care services in two locations following critical inspection reports by health watchdog Hiqa.

New figures show there are 120 sex offenders living in communities across Ireland who are subject to monitoring as part of post-release supervision orders.

There are 120 sex offenders living in communities across the country who are subject to monitoring as part of post- release supervision orders.

But you have to be quick.

Just one of 35 primary health care centres announced by the Government to great fanfare almost five years ago is operational, it has emerged.

A national measles outbreak that left 40 people infected, half of whom were hospitalised, has been declared over.

Government plans to significantly expand the Garda Reserve are in question as figures show the strength of the volunteer body has collapsed by 36% in the last two years.

More than 100 sex offenders living in communities across the country are subject to monitoring as part of post-release supervision orders.

Almost 1,000 “high-priority” cases involving at-risk children had not been assigned a social worker by the end of last year.

Garda work injury rates, including from assaults, are 10 times higher than that of the average worker, official figures show.

The Government has promised that every region of the country will benefit from its €27bn capital spending programme as it denied the promised plan was an election gimmick.

Those diagnosed will often experience other chronic, progressive age-related illnesses, says Suzanne Cahill

If Aer Lingus is sold to IAG, Ireland could end up owning a version of it again in future, if New Zealand’s experience is any guide, writes Kyran FitzGerald.

Brisk and early voting for the marriage referendum saw the probability of a yes vote increase, despite predictions one in four constituencies could oppose the amendment of the Constitution.

About 600 heroin users are to be given a life-saving antidote in cases of overdoses, under a HSE project aimed at reducing drug deaths.

The Government has been accused of turning “a blind eye” to drug crime after figures reveal a 30% cut in the strength of local garda drug units across the country.

Garda drug units across the country have seen their numbers slashed by 30% in the last four years, figures reveal.

Senior Labour figures have ruled out expressing support for €1.36bn offer to buy Aer Lingus until after the general election.

McIlroy turns to dad for masterclass

Senior Fianna Fáil members have rejected a suggestion by Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister, that they could go into coalition with Fine Gael after the next general election.

Ministers who give grants to groups in their own constituencies without explaining why should be accused of "geographical top-ups" in the same way as charity officials have been criticised for misusing public money.

In search of a constituency to explain the myriad of issues currently affecting political parties? Then look no further than Dublin West’s by-election.

Cork has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the country. The Irish Cancer Society is urging people in Cork and other bowel cancer hotspots to make lifestyle changes to reduce the disease risk.

Cork has the highest incidence of bowel cancer followed by Leitrim, Louth, Dublin North and Westmeath.

A row between local residents and Croke Park officials over the staging of 8 concerts there this summer is set to roll on.

The Taoiseach said he was "naturally, personally disappointed" by the defeat of the referendum to abolish the Seanad, as attention now turns to the need for political reform.

The No side has remained ahead throughout the afternoon in the referendum to abolish the Seanad - but with a very tight margin.